She Manifested her Affordable Tiny House DREAM come True

Summary

Elsie, a 71-year-old woman, shares her journey of living in a tiny home on a social security income, emphasizing the importance of intentional living and self-sufficiency. Her 192-square-foot home in Vanol Stein, Texas, is a testament to her commitment to a simple, fulfilling life. Elsie embraces a minimalist lifestyle, enjoying her cozy space, DIY projects like building a deck, and the sense of community with like-minded neighbors. With creativity and resourcefulness, she designs her home to meet her needs, proving that tiny living offers freedom, independence, and the opportunity to live on her own terms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Elsie lives comfortably on a $1,700 monthly Social Security check, showing that living intentionally can lead to financial independence in a tiny home.
• 😀 Her tiny house, named Moy, is 192 square feet and is located at Namaste Hideaway in Vanol Stein, Texas. It includes a combination of personal design choices and functional adaptations.
• 😀 Elsie feels that tiny living allows her to live a joyful and manageable life, regardless of age, and that it fosters a sense of community with like-minded individuals.
• 😀 Despite the small size of her home, Elsie has made her space work for her through thoughtful design, including a small kitchen with induction cooktop, microwave convection oven, and plenty of storage.
• 😀 Elsie appreciates the flexibility of tiny living, including the ability to make design adjustments to her home, such as relocating the closet to better fit her lifestyle.
• 😀 The deck that Elsie is building herself is an important part of her living space, providing an outdoor area where she can enjoy coffee, wine, and meals while extending her living area.
• 😀 Elsie works part-time from home, allowing her to travel while maintaining a steady income. She values the freedom of having a job that supports her lifestyle.
• 😀 She emphasizes the importance of creating a space that feels personal and comfortable, highlighting how small adjustments, like her choice of fixtures, can make a big difference in tiny homes.
• 😀 Elsie’s tiny house cost $67,000, which she financed with a combination of savings and a credit card loan. Despite the unconventional financing, she paid off the loan quickly.
• 😀 Elsie finds fulfillment in being self-sufficient and is determined to thrive rather than just survive, seeking a vibrant life regardless of age or circumstances.

Q & A

How does Elsie manage to live comfortably on her $1,700 monthly Social Security check?

Elsie manages to live comfortably by minimizing her expenses and being very intentional about her lifestyle. She downsized to a tiny house, which allows her to keep costs low, including rent, utilities, and maintenance, making it possible to live on a modest budget.

What are some design features Elsie included in her tiny house to make it functional and comfortable?

Elsie selected a tiny house with granite countertops, subway tiles for easy maintenance, a deep sink, an induction cooktop, and a microwave convection oven. She also designed the interior with multi-functional spaces and made adjustments to the layout, such as moving the closet and opting for custom furniture.

What is the significance of the deck Elsie is building for her tiny house?

The deck is an important addition for Elsie as it provides additional outdoor space, which is valuable given the limited indoor space in her tiny house. It allows her to enjoy activities like sipping coffee, having meals, and relaxing, making her living experience feel more expansive and enjoyable.

How does Elsie handle the lack of space in her tiny house?

Elsie uses creative design and multi-functional furniture to maximize space. For instance, she has a trundle bed for when her granddaughter visits, and she ensures every piece of furniture is appropriately sized for the space, enhancing both functionality and comfort.

Why did Elsie choose to build a tiny house despite not having a large down payment?

Elsie was determined to follow her dream of living in a tiny house, so she borrowed part of her down payment using a credit card. She made back the money within the first year, demonstrating her belief in the importance of following one's dreams and making things work despite financial challenges.

How does living in a tiny house align with Elsie's values and lifestyle?

Living in a tiny house aligns with Elsie's values of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and minimalism. It allows her to live intentionally, reduce her environmental impact, and create a manageable, enjoyable lifestyle, even as she ages.

What role does community play in Elsie's tiny house experience?

Community is an essential part of Elsie's tiny house experience. She enjoys living among like-minded people who share similar values, creating deeper bonds that go beyond traditional neighborly relationships. This sense of connection contributes to her overall happiness and sense of belonging.

How does Elsie incorporate creativity into her tiny house?

Elsie channels her creativity through art and design, especially by creating mandalas, which adorn her walls. She also enjoys personalizing her space, making adjustments to the layout and selecting colors and furniture that resonate with her.

What challenges does Elsie face with living in a tiny house, and how does she overcome them?

Elsie faces challenges related to space limitations, such as the small kitchen and loft area. However, she overcomes these by making thoughtful design choices, utilizing multi-functional furniture, and adapting her lifestyle to fit the space efficiently.

How does Elsie plan to live her life in the future, particularly regarding her dream to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?

Elsie plans to continue living her tiny house lifestyle and pursue new adventures, such as hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Despite not having hiked before, she visualizes herself walking the trail and sees it as a dream that motivates her, showing that living small allows room for big dreams.